Economic partnerships with business and the defence industry will be the main topic of conversation this week as Premier Daniel Andrews meets with leaders in the United States of America.
During the three-day visit to Washington DC and New York Mr Andrews will promote Victoria’s economic and innovation credentials and strengthen international ties between the Victorian and the United States governments.
The United States is one of Victoria’s most important international partners and is the state’s largest source of investment and second largest trade partner.
Mr Andrews will hold meetings with key players in the US defence industry, including the heads of Lockheed Martin and Leidos, to highlight Victoria’s defence sector capabilities and proven track record in military manufacturing, and to bring more jobs and investment to Victoria.
Global giant Lockheed Martin has already established its first R&D centre of its kind outside the United States in Melbourne – the STELaRLab – a testament to Victoria’s position as the nation’s leader in research and innovation. The meeting in Washington DC will build on this already strong relationship and open the door to new opportunities.
The Victorian defence sector is worth $8 billion to the local economy every year, and is made up of about 20,000 workers and more than 400 businesses.
While in the US Capital Mr Andrews will attend a US CEO Forum with more than 20 CEOs from leading Australian companies and 20 American industry leaders along with the heads of other Australian States and Territories.
Promoting Victoria’s key growth sectors – defence, cyber security and health and med-tech research will be the focus of these meetings and a chance to showcase our strengths to some of the world’s biggest companies.
Mr Andrews will also attend the National Governors’ Association Winter Session as part of an Australian delegation including the Prime Minister. This will be the largest ever Australian delegation to the United States.
In New York, Mr Andrews will meet with a number of key stakeholders in the creative sector, to progress discussions about bringing internationally acclaimed productions and cultural exhibitions to Melbourne to further boost our thriving $26 billion visitor economy.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This is an unprecedented opportunity to put Victoria on the world-stage with some of the biggest companies in the United States.”
“Whether it’s defence, cybersecurity or med-tech Victoria has the research, development and capabilities to lead the world – and this visit will be a chance to showcase just that.”
“This is about jobs, jobs and more jobs. We already have a strong relationship with the United States and this is a chance to make it even stronger and bring more jobs and economic growth back home to Victoria.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020